| Agafay | Zagora | Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | Erg Chigaga | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | About 40 km | About 350 km | About 560 km | Beyond M'Hamid, about 60 km of track |
| Journey | 45 min to 1 h | 6 h 30 to 7 h 30 | 9 to 10 h | Longer still |
| Suggested length | Evening or 1 night | 2 days | 3 days | 3 days or more |
| Dunes | None (stone desert) | Small | Up to 150 m | Large, more remote |
| Indicative group price (check) | 45 to 130 EUR | From about 70 EUR | About 85 to 95 EUR and up | Several hundred EUR |
Distances and prices taken from our guides and booking listings, to be checked on your travel date.
Zagora: the two-day compromise
Zagora is visited in 2 days and 1 night: Tizi n'Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, then the Draa Valley. The palm-grove landscape is its strong point; the dunes remain modest. Our page Zagora in 2 days compares the formulas, including the Zagora 2-day luxury camp, which advertises a private toilet and shower. The place page is Zagora from Marrakech.
Merzouga: the big dunes
Merzouga is the classic destination for Erg Chebbi. The three-day tour also passes through the Dades or Rose Valley and Todra Gorge. The third day is long (about 10 h of driving), so plan nothing for the evening you return. Our comparison Merzouga in 3 days details the offers, including the 3-day tour to Merzouga; the general guide is Merzouga desert from Marrakech.
Other options
- Agafay: no dunes but an easy evening; see a night in camp at Agafay and glamping at Agafay.
- Chigaga: wilder, three days minimum; see Erg Chigaga and M'Hamid.
- Merzouga in 2 days: possible but gruelling, see Marrakech to Merzouga in 2 days.
How to choose
- Only one day free, or children: Agafay.
- Two days, first desert: Zagora.
- Spectacular dunes, three days: Merzouga.
- More remote desert, ready to drive: Chigaga.
- Heat: summer often exceeds 45 C at Zagora and Merzouga; see when to go to the desert.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zagora have real dunes? Only small dunes; for big dunes, see Merzouga or Chigaga.
How many days for Merzouga? Three days and two nights is the usual length from Marrakech.
Can I go without a tour? Yes, CTM coaches (Zagora) and Supratours (Merzouga) exist, with the camp booked separately.
La rédaction Marrakech Authority
